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Completed Chapter III: Scales of Justice

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Tharos Silverlane

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Tharos Silverlane had taken his seat as the judge quieted the crowd. Thorne's rebuke to his commentary instantly made him want to give the prosecutor a nice and swollen black eye. But Tharos refrained. He looked to see Dina mention the murder weapon and argue with that against the prosecution. Quite a sight. When the judge reprimanded Thorne, it brought a smile the armor's face and he rose when the judge adjourned the Tribunal. To answer Dina's question: "Most likely. They shouldn't be hard to track down." He looked to Meric and Violet too before his gaze went to find Thorne and see what he was up to.

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"I agree that we should talk to Herondale at least once more before tomorrow's trial." Meric nodded. The elf stood with his arms crossed out, frowning as he pondered the situation. "However, you've seen how stubborn he was in front of the judge. If he didn't relent before the Tribunal, it's going to take some serious convincing to get the truth out of him on our own. We have to somehow make him believe that what he's hiding really matters for the case - assuming of course," he gave the others a cautious glance while lowering his voice, "That he doesn't already know that, in which case he is deliberately lying and hiding crucial information and might even be involved in framing Captain Raynard."


Hard words, but they made sense. In any case, the good Inquisitor was nowhere to be seen. It was safe to assume that he probably went back to his office in the Lord's Quarter barracks, if he wasn't off somewhere else on other business. There was no way to know. "But who knows where he got off to." the elf continued, shifting his weight. "We'd be wasting time if he's not at his office. The crime scene, however, is hardly going anywhere, and we need to check that out as well." He waited to see what the others would decide.


Around them the square was already half empty. Most of the City Watch was gone as well as Captain Raynard. The sun was high up in the sky, already past its highest point, mercilessly bathing the city in light. Things had gone well enough so far. The only thing that still stood as a reminder of the other possible outcome was the execution stone just a few dozen feet from the rest of the Tribunal setup.
 
Henvei Relkor vech Daltzen

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Interesting. Of course it was interesting. Henvei leaned in, leveling his eyes with the strange device. Magical, certainly - but anybody could have guessed that. The water shenanigans...ugh.

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Time passed, with the gentle clinking and scratching of the magus at work. He had attacked the hand in full force, prying at it with his scholar's tools, scratching with little picks and tapping with little probes. Looking for something, anything, nothing, really. He finally gave up, dropping the tools with a hiss and a clatter. Well designed, well constructed, and a magical device, through and through.

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Perhaps...Henvei shot Dain a critical glance. Perhaps...the scholar rose to his feet, the Codex emerging from his robes as he did so, spinning gently through the air to land in front of him. He meant only to as a few questions, and that was it. Research, really, not at all a call for help. As far as Dain knew, it was just another book of research, and Henvei's own, at that. Nevertheless he did his best to hide the book from the professor, blocking the glowing runes with the folds of his robe.

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"I find myself in need...of a lesson in locks." Henvei hissed, gently, to the tome, wincing in anticipation of the response. Yes, yes, he had abandoned the party for a silly side quest, but little happened within that rank anyways - what better aim then to keep the mind sharp? No, he would - Yes, as soon as this was over. Just - Yes, it was important! Answer!

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Dina Ailsa

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"I agree with Meric and think that we should inspect the crime scene first after all." Dina nodded and positioned herself by Violet's side. "I assume you know the way, don't you?" she smiled at Meric.
 
At first, nothing. Then, a flash - no, a whisper. Faint, voiceless words forming inside Henvei's mind. He couldn't see them, not even when he closed his eyes, and he couldn't hear them because they were never spoken, but there they were nonetheless. Like cards being flipped over face up, their meaning surged forth and hit the scholar right behind the eyes.


... lock of power... to guard power.


Only powerless... need fear...


The voice of words was difficult to understand, but also something new. The Codex never did anything quite like that before. It was impossible to tell whether the Codex said more in between but Henvei only understood this much, or if this was all there was however broken up. But he trusted his Codex like no one else. If this is the information that it delivered, then it must have been sufficient regardless of its form or shape.

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"Well, now that you mention it," said Meric in response to Dina, "Not exactly. I mean, I know my way around Ridge but I've never been to the place before, naturally. We'll find it, don't you worry. Silverlane's home here, right?" He passed a look at the blacksmith. "We should have little trouble then. The warehouse is supposed to be in the West Quarter, just north of Lord's Bridge. There can't be that many warehouses around. If everyone's up for it, we should move. Sun's descending."

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Tharos Silverlane

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Tharos nodded in response to Meric. He had a feeling something was off and he continued looking around discreetly but keeping his main attention on the group. "We should head off." Tharos said, not voicing the feeling in the back of his head something wasn't completely right. He ran a gloved hand through his hair to his ponytail and shook his head as if shaking the thought out. He looked on in the direction they would be heading to get to the crime scene. Is something wrong or I am just getting paranoid over something...? He thought to himself. He couldn't shake the feeling as if they were being watched. Were they being watched? Or was he being watched? Pull yourself together, damn you! He said to himself in this thoughts, his hand on his forehead as he turned from the group for a moment. It felt as if a needle was being driven into his brain.
 
Violet Robbins

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When Dina had mentioned their opponent in this Tribunal business, Violet shared a smile as she thought of how Thorne had been taken down. No doubt the prosecutor was furious to have lost, much less to an unknown group of defenders. She could just imagine him fuming in private. She listens as the others talked about what to do next and when a pause in the conversation arrived, she put in "Once we investigate the scene of the crime, I'm sure we'll have enough to take down Thorne." The thought brought a second, slightly mischevious smile to her face. It was during this moment of mirth that she galnce over at Tharos. While she didn't know everything about the man, she could tell well enough when someone was nervous. Nonchalantly, she walked over to him asked, "Hey Tharo. Something on you're mind?"

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Tharos Silverlane

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He looked back behind him and examined the scene as Violet approached. He turned back to her and responded in a low, secretive whisper as to not potentially frighten the others. "Yes. I have a drilling headache and what most would consider paranoia," he replied bluntly. He sighed quietly before glancing off for a second. "I have a feeling that we're being watched. Either we or I, I can't be sure. It just feels as though something is very off. As though something is not in place." He kept his voice in a whisper to Violet as he was constantly glancing around as if he may see someone or something.
 
Violet Robbins

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Violet mirrored Tharos' glance around, whispering back as she turned back to him "In that case, better act like we don't suspect anything, draw them out. If someone is watching us, they'll follow. If they follow, it'll be slightly easier for us to divine who among the crowd it is, especially if we get to somewhere where the crowds are thinner. For now, just act natural."

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Followed or not, the fellowship made their way out of Justice Square and through the streets of Ridge heading south. The town was half empty; it seemed like everyone had been at the Tribunal. After half an hour of walking there was the Lord's Bridge, and on the other side Meric led them off the main street to follow the western bank of the river Sava.


This area was crowded with warehouses lined one after another just a stone's throw from the water, on both sides of Sava. There was surprisingly few people around. A crew of four people was taking out some rowing boats and storing them inside the warehouse to the right. Several more people moved in between buildings and disappeared before they could be counted or properly looked at, but they were dressed like dock workers.


The Chosen had just entered the warehouse area along the dirt excuse for a road that snaked between the buildings and connected them. "I'm guessing... that one?" Meric pointed out towards the nearest warehouse. "None of the others have their front doors broken down."


It was true. This one's doors were breached and it was dark inside. As they stood there, perhaps some fifty feet across the dirt there seemed to be a hint of movement in the interior of the warehouse, just beyond the threshold. It was subtle and brief, and gone as soon as the next moment.
 
Dina Ailsa

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Dina immediately crouched and slowly sneaked to the door as if she was approaching a possibly dangerous animal that was in her way and impossible to outflank. She signaled the others to follow her. Maybe our murderer came back to clean after him/herself, there could still be some leftover evidence in there. Dina was close enough to the door to see through the gaps made by breaching and to be concealed by the rest of it.
 
Violet Robbins

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Reaching for her bow as she did so, Violet crouched and silently strided over to stand on the opposite side of the door across from Dina. With her back to the wall next to the door, she craned her to neck to glance inside as well. Meanwhile, her hands retrieved an arrow from her quiver, notching it her bow; ready to fire at a moment's notice.

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Tharos Silverlane

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Tharos walked quietly with them, standing just behind violet. One sword was on his back in its sheath while the other was loose, ready to be drawn from his left hip. He had his back against the wall with his hands just ready to draw his blades. They were not his heirlooms that he used when fighting with the Resistance. They were two blades that he had crafted while living in Ridge. They were about two and a half feet long each with blade faces that were about six inches wide. The edges were straight until the top where they began to arc at the last six inches. He continued observing the area around them, seeing only the occasional passerby. He looked at Violet and pointed to her then to himself as if asking who would be first to go in.
 
Violet Robbins

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Violet thought for a moment, and signaled that he should go first. Next, she signaled that she would follow behind him and provide cover if necessary. Once she had portrayed the plan, she next looked toward Dina, jerking her head toward the building as to ask if the girl had seen anything within.

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The interior of the warehouse was dark, but not completely. Some daylight penetrated inside to reveal stacks of boxes on the left, some wooden debris all over the middle section, a bunch of barrels to the right, some overturned. The floor was stained with dried up liquid around the barrels. There were more large and small crates to the back of the room that blocked the line of sight to the far wall.


If there was someone inside, they could have been hiding behind any of the mentioned warehouse storage, really. The time between that hint of movement the fellowship spotted from the outside and now was sufficient for anyone inside to take cover in any part of the warehouse. But unless there was a back door - that someone would still definitely be inside.


Meric followed everyone else, taking a stand behind Dina. Soundlessly he nodded in agreement to Violet's plan of action. His blade was already out before anyone could see or hear him unsheath it.
 
Dina Ailsa

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Dina started a game of pantomime. A shake of her head No. and a movement of her fingers Motion., a raised finger But., an extended arm as the other circled it as if stoking a shield Be careful. She waited for a sign that Violet understood her. Dina wasn't sure what to do next. Maybe surround the warehouse with a lot of weed making the escape harder had there been a back door? Stay here in case that the prey of their hunt tries to escape using this entrance? I'll wait and see what'll be needed. She decided.
 
"Dina." She heard her name whispered from behind. It was Meric. "Stay here. It could be dangerous."


The elf then prepared to move, nodding one final time to Tharos. Go.
 
Dina Ailsa

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Dina jumped a little, she knew Meric was behind her but was still surprised. I guess I was so focused on Violet that I didn't see it coming which is why I reacted that way. She thought and nodded in response to Meric's words.
 
Tharos Silverlane

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Tharos slowly inhaled before his blade that was sheathed on his hip was out in his hand. He put his armored arm up in front of him, holding the sword up side down so the flat of the blade create a make-shift shield. His other hand went the the blade on his back, holding the handle and ready to draw. He went into the building quietly and cautiously, after a moment lowering his blade so it was extended level in front of him. He observed all the crates and barrels, his eyes scanning the vicinity like a hawk would for prey. He looked behind him for just a second to see if Violet and the others were there.
 
Violet Robbins

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When the armorer looked back, she locked eyes with him and nodded to signify that she was there and prepare to cover him if the need arose. She kept her bow held low, her finger clutching the string, ready to draw and fire. As they advanced, she constantly darted her gaze about, looking for any sign of motion.

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The large figure of Tharos Silverlane readily enters first into the half dark. Small pieces of wood crack beneath his heavy footsteps. Violet follows, maintaining her vigil as she moved soundlessly like only an elf could. Seeing how there was no one near the entrance, the two move closer towards the center of the warehouse. A large pile of crates still blocks their vision of the far wall. As for the rest of the room, it looks clear of any intruders. The place itself though, looks like it's been through a drunken fight. Pieces of everything are scattered everywhere, forcing the advancing party to mind their steps as they bypass debris. The smell of dust and filth, alcohol and something spoiled still lingers.


The tension in the air slowly starts to drop as it becomes more and more apparent that they're alone, even though there are still half a dozen spots where someone could be hiding. Or have they imagined that hint of movement at the entrance? What happens the next moment answers that question.


Tharos and Violet were almost in the center of the warehouse, still carefully looking around, when there was a loud thump behind them. A massive figure dropped down from nowhere - or, after a better look - from the small second floor catwalk lining the edges of the warehouse. Standing in the range of light from the entrance is a robed figure, hooded but its size and scaly tail make its race all too apparent - a drakkar. He turns to look both ways, from Tharos and Violet who were nearly twenty feet distant, to the girl at the entrance two times nearer.


He lets out a growl and dashes for the exit. In the light of day something shines in his right fist. It would only take a few seconds.
 
Dina Ailsa

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I have to stop him, there must be some plants I could use here. Dina concentrated on the ground surrounding the entrance. Sleeping children of the earth come to my aid! In your home there will be your evil, show them the wrath of nature herself! She thought, calling, encouraging nature to help her, picturing wild growth of stalks, roots, thorns. Dina pictured the drakkar entangled and immobilized. Spring forth and materialize my hope!
 
Laurolf Fangür

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A single drop of sweat slowly made it's way down Laurolf's cheek, hidden by the hood he wore- As he relaxed his hand and released his grip, from the small hatchet on his belt. Had Laurolf been an ordinary man, he would've let out a sigh of relief, as Xenthriss marched out the open door, but, he was a Fangür and Fangürs show no fear, not when facing unbeatable opponents or even the clutches of death itself! Nevertheless, on the inside, he felt relieved - Whomever would have won didn't matter, at this point, he was just glad that neither he nor the Drakkar, had to spill blood today.


"The lengths I'm willin' to go to, for our blasted lady heir.. 'N 'er quest.." The Dwarf though, then clearing his throat, Laurolf turned to the smith- "Yer bloody welcome, laddie." He said, huffing, "Whatever the quarrel was, between ye' two- Ain't me business. But I just saved ye' live, n' probably ye' store. And 'at rite' there, makes ye' owe me. Just keep yer' yapper shut, n' speak not o' 'tis, to 'em guards, hmh! Do 'at, and ye' can consider the debt, payed!"
 
Tharos Silverlane

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Tharos had a bad feeling from the start when he entered the building. It was as if there was another being in the same room other than his companions. He continued to glance about until he heard the thump of something landing. He whirled around, drawing his second blade as he registered the drakkar in his mind. He noticed Dina channel her abilities and seeing the ground crack at the entrance of the warehouse. That was when he sheathed his weapons and took off in a dash, heading into a collision course with the drakkar just before the entrance. If Dina snared the fleeing suspect before Tharos got to him, great. If not, then the armorer was ready to get into very physical engagement.
 
"I was going to report this bastard to the Watch," said the shopkeeper as he regained his composure. With Xenthriss gone he seemed awfully brave. "But for your help, master dwarf, be it your way. You should take care of your friend, though. From what I've seen, he'll keep on roughing people around town until he gets the information he wants."


The blacksmith assumed a neutral standing after that, obviously content to be back to his usual routine.

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Things happened quickly in the warehouse on the other end of town, for everyone except Dina that is.

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The drakkar ran straight for the exit, blade in hand. Dina, who was in his way, used the few seconds she had in one desperate attempt to stop him by using her power. She caught a glimpse of another figure behind that of the threatening drakkar. Tharos? He was running towards her too, but he was too far.

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Three seconds.

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And Violet? Dina couldn't see her old friend. She was too focused on the drakkar and what she was trying to do. Would there be an arrow from her direction?

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Two seconds.

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The girl sank deeper into focus. The world disappeared. There was nothing except herself, the power she channeled, and Nature itself. Suddenly, she was overwhelmed by sensations. Like countless warm touches against her skin, faint voices calling for her, drawing her closer and closer. It was hard to concentrate on what she originally wanted to do. What was it again? For those few brief moments back there, she was floating instead of swimming, and her chance was lost.

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One second.

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She didn't even realize her eyes had closed. When they suddenly opened, it was in the same moment that she was pushed aside, torn violently from her daydream. The last sensation she felt from her now severed link to Nature could be expressed in a single word: Please.

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Dina found herself on the ground a few feet from the warehouse entrance, slowly coming to her senses. Meric lay beside her, and on top of him the body of the drakkar. "Get this bastard off me!" the elf shouted, trying to get him off. The drakkar wasn't moving at all. It looked like Meric could probably manage, but some help wouldn't hurt.

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